Discussions have been ongoing since the European Commission proposed to reform the current legislation in March 2014 to encourage more farmers into the organic sector and increase consumer trust in the EU organic logo. Organic land represents less than 6% of the total agricultural area in the EU with growing imports covering the difference between EU demand and production.
Member states granted a new negotiating mandate at a Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) meeting on 26 June. Ahead of the meeting, the NFU, along with other key organic stakeholder representatives such as the Soil Association and Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) had highlighted to Defra that the text needed more work in order for it to be acceptable to UK stakeholders.
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The agreement was reached at a trilogue meeting on 28 June. The trilogue focused primarily on technical discussions relating to the availability of organic seeds. Under new rules, a wider range of products can be included, such as salt, cork and beeswax, while additional production rules have been introduced for poultry, rabbits and deer.
An earlier proposal from EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan to leave out the two most difficult issues – non-authorised substances and the use of demarcated beds in greenhouses - was included in the compromise. Member states who currently apply thresholds of non-authorised substances may continue to do so, while countries using demarcated beds will be permitted to maintain the practice for 10 years, in which time the commission will prepare a report on how this practice fits with the principles of organic production.
The new regulation also introduces checks on retailers and will require imports from third countries to comply with EU production and control standards.
The text agreed at the trilogue is due to be discussed at an SCA meeting on 10 July. This will be the final opportunity for member states to express views on the text ahead of the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers meeting 9-10 July which will be asked to endorse the agreement. The agreement will also need to be approved by the European Parliament. The new rules are expected to come into force on 1 July 2020.
EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan said: “We welcome the successful conclusion to the trilogue and believe the new legislative framework will match the dynamism and expectations of this fast growing sector, support its development and its capacity to innovate, and help it to reach its full potential.”